Tuition and Fees

For the 2013-2014 academic year, tuition and fees are as follows:
(Please note, all figures are in U.S. dollars.)

*Out-of-state citizens may be eligible for in-state resident tuition after their first year. The average tuition for the 4 years, based upon current rates, would then be $26,638.75 per year.

Tuition and fees are subject to change.

Instruments

First-year professional program approximately $1,800 (due early in July).

Books

First year approximately $1,100 (usually after classes start).

Room

For the 2013-2014 academic year, a student is allowed a maximum Financial Aid allotment of $13,920 for rent. The average rent for a student living in walking distance to the college is $1,250 per month. The average rent for a student commuting by subway is $715 per month.

Board

For the 2013-2014 academic year, a student is allowed a maximum Financial Aid allotment of $6,130 for food and household supplies (including utilities and phone).

Other Living Expenses

For the 2013-2014 academic year, the student is allowed a maximum Financial Aid allotment of $5,360 for all other expenses. Actual amounts spent will vary depending on a student’s personal preferences.

It is recommended that a student make arrangements to have two months living expenses available for start-up costs.

Financial Aid

Most SUNY students fund their education through educational loans, grants andscholarships.

U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents 

U.S. citizens and permanent residents applying for financial aid will be required to submit the following:

1. SUNY Optometry Application for Financial Aid.

2. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

3. A signed copy of student's federal tax forms is required. A signed copy of parents' federal tax forms may be required, or certification of non-filing status when applicable.*

4. Proof of non-taxable income as indicated on the application may be required.

*All graduate and professional students are considered independent. Parental information is required, however, to be considered for tuition waiver programs, HPSL loans and LDS loans.

The Financial Aid Office reserves the right to request additional information and documentation as appropriate.

The application deadline for financial aid is April 15 for the following academic year.

Canadian Students

Canadian students applying for financial aid are required to contact the Canadian Student Loan Program directly for information and applications.

Please note: Financial Aid cannot be disbursed until you have enrolled in August. Instrument expenses and start-up living expenses will not come from Financial Aid. Most Financial Aid is only available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Grants

Grants are aid given to students generally on the basis of financial need. Grants do not need to be repaid.

Economically Disadvantaged First Professional Degree Students Program:
The State University of New York awards between $500 and $5,000 based on funding and eligibility determined from the SUNY State College of Optometry. Financial Aid Form and a Needs Analysis Form, which can be downloaded at FAFSA.ed.gov.

Graduate Opportunity Waiver:
Partial tuition waivers are granted by the State University of New York to students who have participated in an undergraduate opportunity program such as EOP, HEOP or SEEK. Determination is based on the Needs Analysis Form and eligibility requirements.

Scholarships

Scholarships are generally awarded on the basis of meritorious academic performance, need or a combination of both. Scholarships do not need to be repaid. We select scholarship recipients based on their undergraduate GPA and OAT score.

Cultural Diversity Scholarship:
To be eligible for a Cultural Diversity Scholarship, a student must submit an essay and application, each demonstrating how they can contribute to the diversity of the student body. An application can be downloaded here.

Dr. Nathan and Laura Millman Scholarship:
One to 2 scholarships are given annually to a second-, third- or fourth- year student based on outstanding academic performance.

NYSOA Scholarship:
Two $2,000 scholarships are given to a student with good academic standing and essay.

OCNY Scholarships:
Depending on funding, 15-20 $2,000 OCNY scholarships are given to students with academic merit and financial need.

Petry Lomb Scholarship/Research Grant:
The foundation awards scholarship money to second-, third- and fourth-year students demonstrating financial need, good academic standing and a sincere desire to contribute to the optometric profession. One to two scholarships are awarded annually in varying amounts (minimum $1,500 per recipient).  Preference is given to New York State residents.

Applications are available at the Rochester Optometric Society, under the student section. 

Questions may be directed to:
Dr. Susan Yorks
Phone: (585) 787-2020
Email: susany2020@aol.com.

Adolph and Ruth Schnurmacher Foundation and Charles and Mildred Schnurmacher Foundation Merit Scholarships:
Ten scholarships of $1,500 each are awarded to the top 10 candidates in each class with highest academic performance.

The Scott Tasker Folsom Scholarship Fund:
Dr. and Mrs. William Folsom have executed a trust to establish a permanent scholarship(s) on behalf of their son, to be known as the Scott Tasker Folsom Scholarship(s). The trust is a permanent endowment, the income from which will fund the scholarship(s) for professional students in optometry.

The Dr. Jerome Weiss Scholarship Fund:
Dr. and Mrs. Jerome Weiss, distinguished friends of the College, from Syracuse, New York, have established an endowment, the income from which will support 1 or more scholarships for professional students in optometry.

Loans

Educational loans are generally lower interest alternatives to market rate loans. Many have federal or state subsidies and delayed interest and/or principal repayments until after the academic program is completed. Stafford, Perkins and Health Professions Loan + LDS Programs require the student to qualify through the Need Analysis Process.

Federal Perkins Loan Program:
Qualified students may be awarded between $250 to $2,500 each year at 5% interest.

Health Professions Student Loans:
Qualified students may be awarded $250 to $4,000 at 5% interest. Parental information is used to determine eligibility.

Loans for Disadvantaged Students (LDS):
Qualified students may be awarded between $250 to $3,000 each year at 5% interest. Parental information is used to determine eligibility.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans:
Up to $40,500 per year (minus the amount the student qualified for in the subsidized Stafford Loan) is available. Interest rate is 6.80% fixed.

Emergency Loans:
$500 to $1,000 emergency loans are available to students who experience delays in processing financial aid. These loans are limited to availability and can only be given to students who are awaiting financial aid.

Employment

The College offers part-time employment with flexible hours scheduled around the Academic Program for students.

College Work Study:
Students can earn between $500 to $4,000 annually based on need while working at the college.

College Temporary Service Employment:
Although not awarded as financial aid, students can be employed by an individual officer or by a faculty researcher with College funds.